Author: Kate Evangelista
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Swoon Reads (April 19, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 3 Stars
Book Description:
It's all fun and parties until someone falls in love in this modern fairy tale from author Kate Evangelista.
Caleb desperately needs a fake girlfriend. Either he attends a series of parties for his father’s law firm with a pretty girl on his arm, or he gets shipped off to Yale to start a future he’s not ready for and isn’t sure he wants. And sadly, the last unattached girl in his social circle has just made the grievous mistake of falling in love with him. Fortunately, Didi, recently fired waitress and aspiring painter, is open to new experiences. As the summer ticks by in a whirl of lavish parties, there’s only one rule: They must not fall in love!
This is my first Evangelist story and I have to say I love what she did with the story even though it wasn't perfect by any means.
I love that more and more authors are branching out and stepping into some very unfamiliar tropes and topics that are so important for young readers and old alike to have out there. With important information about mental illness and mental awareness of all kinds. I love that more and more people are talking about things that were once considered taboo and that they are approaching and handling them well.
Add in a great plot line, lovable characters that are both feisty, damaged, and not perfect and you have one fun, emotional read that was every bit as enjoyable as it was hard to put down.
It wasn't at all what I was expecting and in this case, it worked. I'm glad I took a chance and read this, imperfections and all.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
I'm really surprised to see that this one tackles mental health issues, Ali. When I saw the cover, I definitely thought it was more of a cutesy romance. This will also be my first book by the author, but I'm looking forward to it now.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Ali! :)
I was pretty surprised by it as well Nick. :)
DeleteI haven't read anything by this author either Ali, I'll have to remedy that! I agree with Nick though, from the cover I was definitely expecting a fun, summery YA romance rather than a book that tackles mental health, but I'm glad we're getting all kinds of stories that deal with this topic:)
ReplyDeleteI am too too Jenny! It is nice but I do wish I would of had a bit of a warning before going into it but it turned out okay.
DeleteI must say, I love the bright colors of the cover!
ReplyDeleteI really do as well!
DeleteI don't think I've read this author, Ali but I'm glad you enjoyed it. The hero sounds like a handful, though!
ReplyDeleteHe was a handful and so was she!
DeleteSounds like a fun and fast read. Glad you took the chance and liked it!!
ReplyDeleteTori @InToriLex
Thanks Tori, me too!
DeleteI haven't read a book by this author. I'm glad the mental health issues were tackled properly and that the story surprised you in a good way.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joy!
DeleteGreat review! This one looks pretty good and I always appreciate it when mental health issues are handled nicely. I love that cover btw! :D
ReplyDeleteSame here Erin, on both counts!
DeleteI'm glad to hear that you were able to enjoy it despite the minor flaws; the book cover is stunning :)
ReplyDeleteIt really is!
DeleteI haven't read anything by this author and hadn't seen the book before now. I think stories about mental health issues are very important because I think everyone knows someone with mental health issues but it still seems to be a taboo topic.
ReplyDeleteI agree Candace!
DeleteI haven't heard of this author or book before. The cover does seem more of a beachy read, but I'm glad it addresses important issues like mental health.
ReplyDeleteI thought that as well but I'm glad it was what it was. :D
DeleteThe cover does give this one a lighter feel, although it's nice to see more serious issues tackled.
ReplyDeleteSimply Angela
I agree. ;)
DeleteSwoon Reads always have the pretty covers. I'm not sure this one is for me though. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThey really do, they are always fun and eye catching.
DeleteI have to agree, by the look of the cover and blurb I assumed it was a romance novel. I hope they consider updating both. I really like that so many new reads are tackling mental health issues that are all so common with teens and adults alike.
ReplyDeleteThere was romance in it don't get me wrong but definitely not just a romance read by any means. ;)
DeleteThanks Heidi. :D
ReplyDeleteThis literally reminds me I have this book. Yikes lol. I've had it for so long I forgot. Sounds like an okay read. I hope I at least like it. Nice review!
ReplyDeleteHopefully you like it. ;)
DeleteI was surprised to hear this book covers mental issues but glad to know.
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit surprising. ;)
DeleteThis is different and while not for me, I too am glad to see these issues being present in YA
ReplyDeleteI really am as well Kim.
DeleteI've only read one Evangelista book and I wasn't super excited about it, but I'm interested in reading this one now that I know it's not just a fluffy romance. I think I'd like to give her another try.
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
If you do, I hope you like it more than her other book you tried. ;)
DeleteI'm really excited for this one! I LOVE the summery cover. :) Glad you enjoyed it, despite your issues with it. I'll hopefully be reading it very soon.
ReplyDeleteIt really does have a great cover and I hope you like it. ;)
DeleteIt is nice to see that. One of my favorites is Christina Lee. She has a great NA series that deals with everything from suicidal thoughts to spousal abuse, mental illness and getting help, etc. Some very powerful reads.
ReplyDeleteThose do sound powerful Anna, I will definitely look her up!
DeleteSure couldn't tell it was about mental health issues as well as the romance from the blurb. 3 stars? I think I am passing on this one. Thanks for the honest review :)
ReplyDeleteOf course. ;)
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